primo is a new, powerful chamber opera/oratorio, with original words and music by Ari Frankel. It is inspired by the life, writings, and death of Primo Levi [1919-1987]. primo's timeline, its singing and sounds, all morph techniques in search of truth, passion, and knowledge.

A serious, attractive and contemporary stage work, it examines life and living without being alive; it explores emotions with unblinking honesty, observing actions and tracking consequences. "I write because I am a chemist," explained Levi. "Chemistry is a struggle with matter, a masterpiece of rationality, an existential parable. Chemistry teaches vigilance combined with reason.&quot

"I compose because I am alive," explains Frankel. "At his best, Levi's palette was humankind and language. Those battlefields are where primo's journey begins.&quot With focus and passion, Frankel offers a monument of extreme beauty. First impressions include "we are grateful and wish you a great success, as the work deserves" (Primo Levi's wife Lucia), "it is music that speaks to the heart and its structure is most impressive" (Aharon Appelfeld), and "truly original.. a solid vision" (Lukas Foss).